Indian Airlines celebrates delivery of the first A319

Indian Airlines Ltd, India&apos;s leading airline, celebrated the delivery of its first directly purchased A319 aircraft at a ceremony at the Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi on 19th October 2006. The aircraft is one of 43 A320 Family aircraft ordered in January 2006.

In accepting the aircraft, where the Honourable Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Praful Patel and other dignitaries were present, Indian Airlines Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Vishwapati Trivedi said, "It is indeed a historic occasion and ushers a new era for the airline which is witnessing the induction of its own aircraft after a gap of 12 years. It is even more welcome coming as it does at a time when aviation in India is experiencing a phenomenal growth."

The order for 43 A320 Family aircraft consists of 20 A319s, four A320s and 19 A321s. The order also marks the first time an Indian carrier has selected the A319 aircraft. The airline will receive six aircraft in 2007, followed by more than ten in 2008 with all aircraft delivered by 2010.

"Indian Airlines was one of Airbus&apos; very first customers in India and has built a tremendous track record. It&apos;s gratifying for Airbus to share in the growth of Indian Airlines through our products and the unique benefits they bring such as common type rating between aircraft. We wish Indian Airlines a long continued success", said Airbus President and CEO, and co CEO of EADS, Louis Gallois.

Indian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 53 Airbus aircraft including three wide-bodied A300s, 47 A320s and three leased A319s. Indian was one of the first carriers to recognise the advantages of the A320 Family?s unique operational commonality, allowing pilots and maintenance crews to work across the Family range and delivering valuable savings in training and operational efficiency.

Designed to optimise revenue through cabin adaptability and passenger comfort, the A320 Family feature the most modern and complete fly-by-wire technology available on any single-aisle aircraft in the 100-220-seat category. So far more than 4,450 have been ordered.